Good Samaritan driver attacked by side of road

Good Samaritan Paul Cooke is warning motorists to be vigilant after he was set upon on an isolated country lane in Shropshire.

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Mr Cooke was left with friction burns on his neck and in shock after he stopped to help a woman in distress on the roadside.

The 37-year-old, who lives in the Ceiriog Valley, was driving from Oswestry to his home via the Racecourse when the incident happened on June 7.

He says he is still having night terrors about what could have happened.

“I was on the road that goes over the hills to the Ceiriog Valley, near Llechrydau, at about 8.20pm when I saw a woman out of her car, in the road,” he said.

“She appeared to be in distress and I stopped, as most people would, to see if I could help. But as I did a man opened my door from behind and grabbed my seatbelt, tightening it around my neck and assaulting me. I could not believe what was happening to me. Luckily my car was still in gear and I was able to make my escape.”

“I have no idea what would have happened otherwise, whether I would have been mugged or whether they would have taken the car.”

“I have always been someone who would stop to help anyone if I could. But now I will certainly think twice.”

Mr Cook said he wanted to warn people of the incident to put them on their guard.